Do I Need Workplace Policies and Procedures?

The checklist to start and run a successful business can sometimes be intimidating. Sorting your priorities to get the business running can be tedious when you’re eager to start. Similarly, finding time to improve your business can burdensome when you’re up and running.

However, it is crucial that if your business has staff that you obtain and implement Workplace Policies and Procedures documents to save your business time and money.

Although there are almost innumerable reasons why your business should have workplace policies and procedures, some of the most important and practical reasons from a legal perspective are as follows.

Health and Safety Matters:

Perhaps the most common reason for employers implementing workplace policies and procedures is to ensure that they provide a safe workplace as required by workplace health and safety legislation.

It can be difficult for businesses, particularly growing businesses, to manage health and safety risks for their employees. Providing and implementing specific policies and procedures which requires and empowers employees to self-identify hazards is both critical and necessary.

When an incident occurs in the workplace it can be very difficult for an employer to distance themselves from that occurrence; therefore prevention is the key.

Protect against unfair dismissal claims:

Business owners seldom have time to keep up to date with and deeply understand complex industrial relations laws to ensure they are not exposed to unfair dismissal claims.

An employment law Solicitor can assist you to obtain clear expectation guidelines and processes/procedures which provide a clear framework for your business to implement, making the process much simpler.

Sometimes employers implement these procedures after an unfair dismissal claim is made and by then it has already cost them thousands.

Ideally, if the expectation guidelines, processes and procedures are followed correctly, your business can reduce exposure to liability for unfair dismissal claims.

Protect against other employment claims:

There are an almost infinite number of matters that your business can be held liable for; this includes both claims by an employee and/or third party because in relation to the actions of an employee in the course of their employment.

You can reduce your exposure by having specific policies and procedures, including grievance procedures in relation to:

sexual harassment;

workplace bullying;

discrimination; and

racial, religious or other vilification.

Make your business more efficient:

You might be surprised how much more can be achieved when employees have additional certainty regarding their roles and do not need to interrupt management for advice.

In addition, bringing on new employees will be made easier and you are more likely to retain valuable knowledge when an employee leaves because it has been documented in the procedures.

Spending money in the short term can save your business money in the long run by investing in workplace policies and procedures; plus it will add to the value of your business once you decide to sell.

We recommend that you call us at (07) 3667 8966 or email info@smslaw.com.au for advice regarding drafting and implementing policies and procedures for your business.